The 10 Most Haunted Cities in America

After 12 years of conducting ghost tours in over 50 cities and countless hours of historical research, we've witnessed firsthand which American cities harbor the most paranormal activity. This ranking is based on several factors: frequency of reported paranormal encounters, historical tragedy, documented hauntings, and feedback from our experienced tour guides. These aren't just tourist destinations—these are cities where the veil between the living and the dead seems particularly thin.

Taking the top spot is Savannah, often called "America's Most Haunted City." Founded in 1733, Savannah's cobblestone streets and moss-draped squares seem purpose-built for ghosts. The city experienced devastating yellow fever epidemics, brutal Revolutionary War battles, and countless personal tragedies. What makes Savannah truly unique is the sheer density of haunted locations. Nearly every building in the historic district has a ghost story, and many are well-documented with consistent reports spanning centuries. From the Sorrel-Weed House to Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah's paranormal activity is both frequent and diverse. [Book Savannah Ghost Tours](/savannah/)

The Crescent City's combination of voodoo practices, above-ground cemeteries, and dark history creates an atmosphere thick with supernatural energy. New Orleans has endured hurricanes, plagues, fires, and floods—each tragedy leaving behind restless spirits. The French Quarter alone contains hundreds of haunted locations. LaLaurie Mansion, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, and the Sultan's Palace are just a few sites with terrifying paranormal reputations. The city's unique cultural approach to death and the afterlife may explain why spirits seem particularly active here. [Book New Orleans Ghost Tours](/new-orleans/)

The site of the infamous 1692 witch trials remains one of America's most paranormally active cities. The injustice of the trials, where 20 innocent people were executed, created a spiritual wound that has never healed. Visitors and residents alike report encounters with the spirits of accused witches, and several locations—including the Old Burying Point Cemetery and Gallows Hill—are hotspots for paranormal activity. Salem's haunted reputation is well-earned and carefully preserved. [Book Salem Ghost Tours](/salem/)

Charleston's centuries-old buildings and waterfront location contribute to its haunted status. The city endured wars, pirate attacks, earthquakes, and hurricanes. The Old City Jail, the Provost Dungeon, and numerous plantations harbor dark histories. Charleston's ghosts are often linked to the city's complicated history with slavery and the Civil War. The supernatural activity here is characterized by residual hauntings—events replaying like recordings from the past. [Book Charleston Ghost Tours](/charleston/)

The site of the Civil War's bloodiest battle, Gettysburg witnessed over 50,000 casualties in just three days. That concentration of violent death has made it a paranormal hotspot. Soldiers' spirits are reported across the battlefield, in Devil's Den, and throughout the town. Gettysburg's hauntings are unique in their consistency—the same apparitions appear in the same locations year after year, suggesting intelligent, active hauntings rather than residual energy. [Book Gettysburg Ghost Tours](/gettysburg/)

Home to the Alamo, one of America's most famous haunted locations, San Antonio's paranormal reputation is built on centuries of conflict and tragedy. Spanish missions, Native American history, and the famous 1836 battle create layers of supernatural activity. The San Antonio River Walk and downtown hotels report frequent paranormal encounters. The Alamo itself is considered so haunted that security guards have reported countless experiences with spirits of the defenders who died there. [Book San Antonio Ghost Tours](/san-antonio/)

As America's oldest continuously occupied city (founded 1565), St. Augustine has accumulated 450+ years of ghost stories. The Spanish colonial architecture and ancient cemeteries create an atmospheric setting for paranormal activity. The Old Jail, Castillo de San Marcos, and Lighthouse are particularly active locations. St. Augustine's hauntings span from Spanish conquistadors to modern times, making it a diverse paranormal destination. [Book St. Augustine Ghost Tours](/st-augustine/)

This island city's history of piracy, yellow fever epidemics, and maritime disasters has left it thoroughly haunted. The Fort East Martello Museum, St. Paul's Cemetery, and numerous bars and hotels report active paranormal phenomena. Robert the Doll, housed at the Fort East Martello Museum, is one of America's most famous haunted objects. The island's isolation and constant exposure to tropical storms may contribute to its supernatural atmosphere. [Book Key West Ghost Tours](/key-west/)

One of America's oldest cities, Boston played a central role in the Revolutionary War and has centuries of accumulated ghost stories. The Omni Parker House, Boston Common, and numerous burial grounds harbor active spirits. Boston's hauntings often relate to Revolutionary War soldiers and victims of the numerous epidemics that swept through the city. The combination of age and historical significance makes Boston a paranormal heavyweight. [Book Boston Ghost Tours](/boston/)

The birthplace of America rounds out our top 10. Philadelphia's Eastern State Penitentiary is one of America's most haunted buildings, and the city's colonial-era structures and burial grounds add to its supernatural credentials. From Benjamin Franklin's ghost reported at the American Philosophical Society to the spirits of Revolutionary War soldiers, Philadelphia's paranormal activity connects directly to American history. [Book Philadelphia Ghost Tours](/philadelphia/)

Each of these cities offers unique paranormal experiences backed by centuries of documented history. Ghost City Tours operates in all 10 locations, providing expert-guided tours that explore authentic haunted sites. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, these cities offer fascinating glimpses into America's darker history. The ghosts aren't just entertainment—they're reminders of the real people and real tragedies that shaped our nation. Ready to explore America's most haunted cities? Book your tour today and experience the supernatural for yourself.